FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony Live: Mexico take on South Africa in the World Cup opener.Mexico vs South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Live Score: Two goals and three red cards. That was the story of the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa. While Julian Quinones (9th minute) and Raul Jimenez (67′) scored for the home side, their teammate Cesar Montes got sent off in the 92nd minute. This followed two red cards for South Africa with Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane being sent off.
Mexico (nicknamed El Tricolor) came into the game against South Africa as the overwhelming favourites. Because they have the weight of the 80,824 home supporters behind them at the Estadio Azteca. Another reason why Mexico have an edge is the stadium itself: games in Mexico will be played at high elevation with the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City being at roughly 7,300 feet.
South Africa (nicknamed Bafana Bafana) are back in the World Cup fold for the first time since the 2010 edition, which it hosted. Mexico, meanwhile, are carrying the scars of the last edition in Qatar where it failed to advance out of the group stage for the first time since 1978.
Scroll down for our live coverage of the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony and the opener between Mexico and South Africa
Defending champions Argentina work out during a practice session for the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in Kansas City. (AP Photo)